Discs do not actually slip; they herniate or bulge. A herniation is a displaced fragment of the nucleus of the disc that pushes through a tear in the outer layer of the disc resulting in pain. Disc herniation is similar to degenerative disc disease and herniated discs are common in the low back or lumbar spine.

Smoking, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition contribute to poor disc health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear, injury or trauma, incorrect lifting or twisting put stress on a disc. If a disc is weakened, it may herniate with a single movement.

Usually people between 30 and 40 experience slipped discs. The pain may radiate across the hips or into the buttocks. You may experience numbness or weakness extending your big toe and you may be unable to walk on your toes or heels. Severe cases of lumbar disc herniation can cause changes in your bowel or bladder function or sexual function.

Mild to moderate disc herniations can be treated with stretching, exercise therapy and chiropractic care. More advanced cases will often require some form of spinal decompression, such as traction in conjuction with chiropractic care. Occasionally, when other forms of therapy have failed to relieve the pain, a herniation may be severe enough to warrant surgery.